Testosterone dietary supplements: side effects and contraindications
I. Introduction to the world of dietary supplements for testosterone
Biologically active additives (dietary supplements), advertised to increase the level of testosterone, have become a widespread phenomenon in modern society, especially among men seeking to improve physical form, libido, energy level and overall well -being. The market is full of products that promise impressive results, but behind catching advertising slogans, a complex picture of possible side effects and contraindications that must be carefully studied before deciding on the use of these additives is often hidden.
It is important to understand that dietary supplements are not drugs and do not go through the same strict clinical trials as drugs approved by FDA (the Office for Sanitary Supervision of the quality of food and US medicines) or similar regulatory bodies in other countries. This means that information about their effectiveness and safety can be limited, and the composition and quality can vary from the manufacturer to the manufacturer.
Before considering the possibility of using dietary supplements to increase testosterone, it is necessary to clearly understand what testosterone is, what factors affect its level, and what alternative methods of increasing it exist, including a change in lifestyle and medical interventions.
II. Testosterone: the role in the body and factors affecting its level
Testosterone is the main male sex hormone that plays a key role in many physiological processes in the body of a man, including:
- Development and maintenance of male sexual characteristics: The formation of the genitals, hair growth on the face and body, the development of muscle mass and bone tissue.
- Reproductive function: spermatogenesis (sperm production), libido (sex drive) and erectile function.
- Energy level and metabolism: metabolic regulation, maintaining a normal level of energy and decreased fatigue.
- Cognitive functions: Improving concentration, memory and mood.
- Steaming: Stimulation of the production of red blood cells.
The level of testosterone in the body of a man is subject to fluctuations and depends on many factors, including:
- Age: The level of testosterone naturally decreases with age, starting about 30 years.
- Genetics: A genetic predisposition can affect the level of testosterone.
- Life: An unhealthy lifestyle, including improper nutrition, lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, can negatively affect testosterone levels.
- Stress: Chronic stress can lead to a decrease in testosterone levels.
- Diseases: Some diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, thyroid diseases and hypogonadism, can cause a decrease in testosterone levels.
- Medicines: Some drugs, such as steroids, opioids and antidepressants, can affect testosterone levels.
Before taking any measures to increase the level of testosterone, it is important to undergo a medical examination and determine the reason for its reduction. If a decrease in the level of testosterone is associated with the disease, it is necessary first to treat the underlying disease.
III. Types of dietary supplements for testosterone and their alleged action
The dietary supplement market to increase testosterone offers a wide range of products that can be conditionally divided into several categories:
- Plant extracts:
- Tribulus Terrestris (Tribulus Teretstris): This is one of the most popular herbal products advertised as a stimulator of testosterone. It is assumed that Tribulus Terrestris stimulates the production of luteinizing hormone (LH), which in turn stimulates the production of testosterone in the testicles. However, scientific studies have not confirmed the effectiveness of Tribulus Terrestris in increasing testosterone levels in healthy men with a normal hormone level.
- Eurycoma Longifolia (Tongkat Ali): This plant, growing in Southeast Asia, is traditionally used to increase libido and improve sexual function. Some studies show that Tongkat Ali can increase testosterone levels, especially in men with a low hormone level.
- Ashwagandha (Ashwaganda): This is an adaptogenic plant used in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce stress and increase energy. Some studies show that Ashvagand can increase testosterone levels and improve sperm quality.
- Fenugreek (paznik): This is a plant used as a spice and a drug. Some studies show that the fences can increase the level of testosterone and libido.
- Vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D plays an important role in the development of testosterone. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a decrease in testosterone levels.
- Zinc: Zinc is an important trace element for the health of the men’s reproductive system. Zinc deficiency can lead to a decrease in testosterone levels.
- Magnesium: Magnesium plays an important role in many physiological processes, including testosterone production.
- Brown: Bor is a trace element that can affect testosterone levels.
- Amino acids:
- D-asparaginic acid (DAA): This is an amino acid that is supposed to stimulates the production of LH and testosterone. Some studies show that the DAA can increase the level of testosterone, but the results are contradictory.
- L-arginine: This is an amino acid that plays a role in the production of nitrogen oxide (No), which helps to expand blood vessels and improve blood flow. Improving blood flow can have a positive effect on erectile function.
- Other ingredients:
- DHEA (dehidroepandrosterone): This is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, which can turn into testosterone and estrogen. DHEA is a crypto -hormone and can have serious side effects. The use of DHEA should be carried out only under the supervision of a doctor.
- Aromatase inhibitors: These substances block the enzyme aromatase, which turns testosterone into estrogen. A decrease in estrogen levels can lead to an increase in testosterone levels. The use of aromatase inhibitors should be carried out only under the supervision of a doctor.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of many dietary supplements to increase testosterone is not confirmed by scientific research. Moreover, some dietary supplements may contain the ingredients not indicated on the label, or the ingredients in doses that differ from the declared.
IV. Side effects of dietary supplements for testosterone
Side effects of dietary supplements to increase testosterone can vary depending on the type of additive, dose, individual sensitivity and the presence of concomitant diseases.
- Plant extracts:
- Tribulus terrestrial: Possible side effects include digestive disorders, an increase in the prostate gland and acne.
- Eurycoma Longifolia: Possible side effects include insomnia, irritability and anxiety.
- Ashwagandha: Possible side effects include drowsiness, digestive disorders and a decrease in thyroid function.
- Fenugreek: Possible side effects include digestive disorders, a specific body smell and allergic reactions.
- Vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin D: An overdose of vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia (an increased level of calcium in the blood), which can cause nausea, vomiting, weakness and damage to the kidneys.
- Zinc: An overdose of zinc can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and a decrease in immunity.
- Magnesium: An overdose of magnesium can lead to diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
- Brown: An overdose of boron can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and headache.
- Amino acids:
- D-asparaginic acid (DAA): Possible side effects include headache, irritability and acne.
- L-arginine: Possible side effects include digestive disorders, a decrease in blood pressure and aggravation of herpes.
- Other ingredients:
- DHEA (dehidroepandrosterone): DHEA can cause a wide range of side effects, including acne, an increase in the prostate gland, baldness, mood change, gynecomastia (increase in the chest glands in men) and increasing the risk of prostate cancer. Dhea is contraindicated for women, as it can cause masculinization (development of male features).
- Aromatase inhibitors: Aromatase inhibitors can cause side effects associated with a low estrogen level, such as a decrease in libido, depression, osteoporosis and joint pain.
In addition to the listed side effects, dietary supplements to increase testosterone can interact with drugs and aggravate existing diseases.
V. Contraindications to the use of dietary supplements for testosterone
The use of dietary supplements to increase testosterone is contraindicated in the following cases:
- Individual intolerance to additive components: Allergic reactions to dietary supplements.
- Prostate cancer or suspicion of it: Testosterone can stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells.
- Breast cancer in men: Testosterone can stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells.
- Severe liver or kidney diseases: Bad can provide an additional load on the liver and kidneys.
- Cardiovascular diseases: Bades can increase blood pressure and cholesterol, which can aggravate cardiovascular diseases.
- Prostate hyperplasia (benign): Testosterone can aggravate the symptoms of prostate hyperplasia.
- Apnee in a dream: Testosterone can aggravate apnea in a dream.
- Children and adolescence: The use of dietary supplement to increase testosterone in childhood and adolescence can disrupt normal development.
- Women’s floor (especially dhea): Dhea can cause masculinization in women.
Before using dietary supplements, to increase testosterone, it is necessary to consult a doctor in order to exclude the presence of contraindications and evaluate possible risks.
VI. Interaction of dietary supplements for testosterone with drugs
Bades to increase testosterone can interact with various drugs, changing their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
- Anticoagulants (drugs that thinning blood): Some dietary supplements, such as garlic and ginger, have anticoagulant properties and can enhance the effect of anticoagulants, increasing the risk of bleeding.
- Antidiabetic drugs: Some dietary supplements can affect blood sugar and change the effectiveness of antidiabetic drugs.
- Antihypertensive drugs (drugs that reduce blood pressure): Some dietary supplements can increase blood pressure and reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs.
- Hormonal drugs: Bades containing hormones or runners can interact with other hormonal drugs, changing their effectiveness and increasing the risk of side effects.
- Statins (drugs that reduce cholesterol): Some dietary supplements can affect cholesterol levels and change the effectiveness of statins.
- Immunocationthretarite: Some dietary supplements can affect the immune system and change the effectiveness of immunosuppressants.
It is important to inform the doctor about all the dietary supplements that you take in order to avoid undesirable interactions with drugs.
VII. Alternative methods for increasing testosterone levels
Before resorting to the use of dietary supplements to increase testosterone, it is recommended to try alternative methods that can be safer and more effective:
- Life change change:
- Healthy nutrition: A balanced diet rich in proteins, useful fats and complex carbohydrates is necessary to maintain the normal level of testosterone. Products, sugar and excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided.
- Regular physical exercises: Power training and high -intensity interval training (HIIT) can stimulate testosterone production.
- Sufficient sleep: The lack of sleep can lead to a decrease in testosterone levels. It is recommended to sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.
- Reducing stress: Chronic stress can lead to a decrease in testosterone levels. It is recommended to use relaxation methods such as meditation, yoga and breathing exercises.
- Medical interventions:
- Testosterone-off-room therapy (TZT): TZT is a medical method of treatment, which is prescribed by a doctor with diagnosed hypogonadism (testosterone deficiency). TZT can be carried out using injections, gels, plasters or tablets. TZT has its own risks and side effects, so it should be used only under the supervision of a doctor.
- Treatment of the underlying disease: If a decrease in the level of testosterone is associated with the disease, it is necessary first to treat the underlying disease.
Alternative methods for increasing testosterone levels can be safer and more effective than using dietary supplements.
VIII. Legal and regulatory aspects of dietary supplements for testosterone
Legal regulation of dietary supplements to increase testosterone varies depending on the country. In some countries, dietary supplements are subject to more strict control than in others.
- USA: Dietary supplements are regulated by FDA, but not as strictly as drugs. Bad manufacturers are not required to prove the effectiveness and safety of their products before selling them. FDA can take measures against dietary supplements that are unsafe or mislead consumers.
- European Union: Bades are regulated by the EU Directive of Driving Addles. The directive establishes the requirements for safety and labeling of dietary supplements.
- Russia: Bades are recorded by Rospotrebnadzor. Registration of dietary supplements confirms their compliance with security requirements.
It is important to get acquainted with the legislation of your country in relation to dietary supplements before using them.
IX. The choice of dietary supplements for testosterone: how to make a conscious choice
If you still decide to use dietary supplements to increase testosterone, it is important to make a conscious choice:
- Consult a doctor: Before using dietary supplements, you need to consult a doctor in order to exclude the presence of contraindications and evaluate possible risks.
- Learn the ingredients: Carefully study the composition of the dietary supplement and make sure that it does not contain the ingredients that are contraindicated to you or to which you are allergic.
- Select a reliable manufacturer: Choose dietary supplements from well -known and trusted manufacturers who have a good reputation and use high -quality ingredients.
- Check the availability of quality certificates: Make sure that the dietary supplement has passed quality check and has appropriate certificates.
- Do not trust loud promises: Do not believe the advertising slogans promising instant and incredible results. The effectiveness of many dietary supplements is not confirmed by scientific research.
- Start with a low dose: Start with a minimum recommended dose and gradually increase it, if necessary.
- Follow your condition: Carefully follow your condition and stop using dietary supplements if you have any side effects.
X. Conclusion: Caution and awareness when using dietary supplements for testosterone
Bades to increase testosterone can be potentially useful for some men, but it is necessary to remember possible side effects and contraindications. Before using dietary supplements, you need to consult a doctor, study the composition and choose a reliable manufacturer. Alternative methods for increasing testosterone levels, such as a change in lifestyle and medical interventions, can be safer and more effective. It is important to approach the use of dietary supplements with caution and awareness.